Pakistan A take series with huge win

A solid batting performance from the top order set up Pakistan A's huge win over Afghanistan in Rawalpindi, helping the hosts seal the three-match series 2-0 with a game to go. Sharjeel Khan, Babar Azam and Umar Amin set up the win with half-centuries, as the Pakistan A line-up feasted on the Afghanistan bowling.

Sharjeel and Azam galloped to a century opening stand before Sharjeel was bowled by Mohammad Nabi for an aggressive 64 which included ten fours and a six. Amin arrived and kept up the onslaught in the company of Azam. Despite the middle order not being able to capitalise on several starts, wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed's unbeaten 46 off 28 deliveries ensured Pakistan A would finish well above 300 with an unbeaten. Dawlat Zadran was the most successful bowler for Afghanistan, but he conceded 82 for his three wickets.

Afghanistan were never in the chase, with left-arm seamer Sadaf Hussain striking repeatedly to peg them back. Javed Ahmadi and captain Nawroz Mangal hung around for a while but it was only due to Samiullah Shenwari's dogged half-century that Afghanistan were able to better the 152 that they managed in the first game. Hussain, who was Player of the Match for his 4 for 46, was supported by his captain Sohail Tanvir and left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar who picked up two wickets apiece.

The third and final one-dayer will be played in Faisalabad on Sunday.